Richardson Hitchins Shines in IBF Showdown Against Liam Paro

On December 7, at the Coliseo Robert Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Richardson Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) put on a boxing clinic in the second half of the fight to beat Liam Paro (25-1, 15 KOs) by a split decision to win the IBF super lightweight title. Their world title clash was the main event of a Matchroom Boxing card live on DAZN.

Richardson Hitchins Shines in Puerto Rico Against Liam Paro

Liam Paro vs. Richardson Hitchins Recap

Paro began the fight on the front foot, using his fast feet to close the distance. The second round saw Hitchins land a smart right hand while keeping his opponent at bay more effectively.

The third round saw Hitchins use his jab impressively to control the distance, with Paro only succeeding towards the end of the round. Hitchins had some success in the fifth with his right hand. When Hitchins kept the fight long, he looked in control, negating the threat of Paro.

Read More: Matchroom Boxing Announce Signing of Team GB Olympian

The seventh round was a strong round for Hitchins, arguably his best round of the fight thus far. As we reached the championship rounds, the American fighter had great success with his jab and right hand, seemingly frustrating his opponent.

As the fight edged to its conclusion – Hitchins appeared to grow in confidence, using his jab and finding a home for that straight right hand almost will. These tactics continued into the final round in what was a dominant performance from the American, after the initial bright start from Paro. Both fighters gathered in the centre of the ring to hear the judge’s scorecards, which inexplicably read 117-111 for Paro, while the other two gave it 116-112 to Hitchins.

Post Fight Quotes

In the post-fight interview, Hitchins spoke on the wide scorecard against him: “Honestly, I was just hoping they wouldn’t rob me.”

Reflecting on the win, he said: “I’m just happy to become world champion.”

Read More: Matchroom Boxing Sign Ex-Lightweight Champion – Eddie Hearn Delighted

Talking about the challenge Paro provided: “He made me think every round, and I had to be sharp, and that’s what I did,” said Hitchins.

When asked what he said next: “I want Teofimo in New York, Brooklyn, unification. I think that would be one of the biggest fights in 2025. A very lucrative fight. A very big fight,” said the new IBF champion.

Undercard

Henry Lebron (20-0, 10 KOs) came through a tough test, defeating Christopher Diaz-Velez (29-5, 19 KOs) by unanimous decision to win the WBO Nabo, WBA continental Latin America & IBF Latino Jr. lightweight titles. The judge’s scorecards were all in favour of Lebron, one scoring it 96-94 while the other two scorecards read 97-93.

Yankiel Rivera (7-0, 3 KOs) defeated the previously undefeated Angel Gonzalez (14-1, 7 KOs) by fourth-round TKO to win the WBC silver, WBA continental Americas & WBO intercontinental flyweight titles. The Puerto Rican scored a knockdown in round three before forcing two more in the fourth, leading the referee to award Rivera the stoppage win.

Agustin Ezequiel Quintana (21-2-1, 13 KOs) caused a big upset, defeating Matchroom Boxing prospect Marc Castro (13-1, 8 KOs) by a split decision. The judge’s scorecards read 96-94 for Castro, while the other two had it 97-93 and 96-94 for the Argentine fighter.

Before the Bell

William Ortiz (7-0, 4 KOs) defeated the previously undefeated Lionell Omar Colon Santana (6-1, 3 KOs) by unanimous decision in their super lightweight bout. The judge’s scorecards read 80-72 x3.

Jose Roman Vazquez (14-1, 6 KOs) caused a huge upset, coming on strong in the second half of the fight to defeat Matchroom Boxing hot prospect Jalil Hackett (9-1, 7 KOs) to become the WBA Continental North America welterweight champion. The judge’s scorecards read 96-94 for Hackett, while the other two cards were 96-94 for Roman.

Juan Zayas (11-0-1, 8 KOs) defeated Geraldo Valdez (16-3, 11 KOs) by unanimous decision in their bantamweight fight with the judge’s scorecards reading 78-73 x2 and 77-74.

Stephanie Pineiro (8-0, 2 KOs) dominated Kalindra Faria (2-3, 0 KOs) in the women’s welterweight fight with all three judges scoring it 80-71 for Pineiro.